Lakshmi – the Goddess of Good Fortune
Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess who has the power to give us wealth and prosperity. Also called Shri, which represents the feminine energy of the Supreme Being, she is one of the most invoked goddesses for, without her blessings, human beings are doomed to a miserable or mediocre existence which lacks good fortune and success.
There are 16 kinds of wealth. They include fame, strength, victory, knowledge, valor, good progeny, gems and other valuables, happiness, beauty, intelligence, grains, good health, long life, higher thinking and higher aims, morality and gold. October is a special month for the goddess and Friday a most auspicious day to worship her. During the Navaratri festival, it is believed that the 4th, 5th and 6th days are the best days for worshipping Lakshmi, thereby inviting good fortune into our lives.
How To Attract Lakshmi
Reciting the Sri Suktam
Pray before a picture or idol of the goddess in the prayer room. Recite the Sri Suktam, a 15-verse composition, for a month or 30 days and experience beneficial changes in your life.
Chanting Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra
Chant the Lakshmi Gayatri mantra 108 times daily.
Use Lotus Seed Mala
A lotus seed mala (rosary), also called Kamal Gatta mala, can be used while chanting the mantra. This can help eliminate poverty and bring material gains as the mala is very dear to the goddess. She is usually portrayed as sitting on a lotus.
Using Ghee Lamps
Two ghee lamps may be lit daily with offerings of lotus flowers, coconuts and kheer.
Use Lotus Stem Wicks
On Fridays, an earthen lamp of ghee may be lit, using 9 lotus stem wicks. Doing so can attract strong, positive wealth vibrations and bring success and prosperity.
Worshipping the Tulsi Plant
Light a lamp and worship the Tulsi plant. Where there is a Tulsi plant, there the gods are believed to reside for it is a very holy plant. Fragrant agarbathis and incense may also be lit to increase the good vibrations. Tulsi worship will help in getting all your wishes fulfilled and adds to your merit.
Chanting Lakshmi Dwadasa Stotram
By reciting Lakshmi Dwadasa Stotram 12 times for 12 days, you can gain freedom from debts and other financial burdens. This Stotram is a favorite of Vishnu’s wife, Lakshmi.
Use Sea Shells Or Cowries
By placing sea shells or cowries in the Pooja room you can attract positive vibrations into your home. Sea shells come from the sea, the place where the goddess also came from. Hence they are dear to her.
Feeding Cows
Feed cows on Fridays with sweetened white rice. This ensures that you win the goddess’ grace. It also helps to remove obstacles, destroy sins and gain wealth.
Drawing Lakshmi’s Footprints
Use rice flour to draw the footprints of the goddess in the Pooja room. This is very auspicious and akin to welcoming her into your home. It also invites the presence of Lord Vishnu, her divine consort. Their combined blessings will wipe away all sins, remove curses and help you live an abundant and virtuous life, full of peace and joy.
Keep a Bamboo flute
Tie a bamboo flute with a piece of silken cloth and keep it at home. This will bestow peace and harmony. The flute is Lord Krishna’s favorite musical instrument and Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu. If placed in the Pooja room or altar, it will create auspicious vibrations that will bring joy and good fortune into your home and life.
Sri Lakshmi Shankh (conch shell)
Get a right-handed conch shell or Dakshinavarti conch and keep it in the Pooja room for worship. Another name for it is the Sri Lakshmi conch and it ensures that the goddess’ blessings flow constantly from it into your home. It gets rid of negative vibrations and removes all sorrows. You will gain intelligence, success and freedom. It has a strong association with Kubera, the god of wealth, and so wealth and prosperity will enter your life. The shell must be cleaned and placed on a white, yellow or red cloth. You may place it in a silver or clay pot. During Pooja, fill the conch with water and sprinkle it.
Kubera is the god who protects wealth. Keeping his idol or Yantra in the home is also said to please Lakshmi. It is believed that Lakshmi was born on the day of Diwali. So doing Lakshmi Pooja on this day is believed to make you prosperous. The Pooja is usually done on Amavasya night. Avoid firecrackers during the Pooja as the goddess doesn’t like loud noise. Keep your house clean as she doesn’t like dirt and impurities either. By following these practices you can ensure the presence and blessings of goddess Lakshmi in your home and life.
